BonPom Newsletter 18 - Himalayan Salt by BonPom

Newsletter 18

BonPom Pink Himalayan Crystal Salt

BonPom

Pink Himalayan Crystal Salt BonPom’s unrefined rock salt is sourced from the foothills of the Himalayan mountains where it was deposited hundreds of millions of years ago when the oceans dried up. This is ancient unrefined salt that pre-dates industrialisation meaning it is in pristine condition. Unlike the average table salt, Himalayan rock salt contains over 80 minerals including the all important electrolytes.

The Historical Importance of Salt Our ancient ancestors realised the value of salt for food preservation thousands of years ago. Preserving food using salt reduced dependence on the seasonal availability of food and allowed travel over long distances meaning foods and cultures could travel and human beings could survive even when fresh food was scarce. Being difficult to obtain salt became a highly valued trade commodity. The word salary comes from the Latin word salarium which was the allowance paid to soldiers specifically so that they could buy salt. However, today the story is different. Diets high in heavily salted processed and packaged foods have led to many people taking in too much salt relative to potassium meaning the body struggles to maintain the right balance of electrolytes.

The Power of Electrolytes Electrolytes are substances that become electrically charged ions in solution meaning they have the capacity to conduct electricity. The balance of electrolytes in our bodies is essential for the normal functioning of our cells and organs and is controlled largely by hormones from the brain, kidneys and adrenal glands. Thirst is another mechanism that helps to balance electrolyte concentrations when we get dehydrated. Electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, chloride and bicarbonate are needed: • • • • •

To generate energy For the stability of cell walls To contract muscles To move fluids around the body To carry electrical impulses from the brain to every part of the body via the nervous system.

The kidneys have a key role in maintaining the correct concentration of electrolytes in the blood at all times. If electrolytes are lost due to sweating, vomiting, diarrhoea or excessive urination they need to be replaced to keep the concentration of electrolytes in the body constant. This is why sports drinks and drinks prescribed for children who have sickness or diarrhoea contain electrolytes. However, they often contain sugar and other additives so are not ideal. Water containing electrolytes is more readily absorbed into the muscles, organs and bloodstream. Without electrolytes water will tend to pass straight through the body taking nutrients with it. See below for how to make an electrolyte rich drink using BonPom Himalayan Salt at a fraction of the cost of a sports drink.

The Need for Sodium

noted that they are both fairly high in sodium.

When we talk about salt we are usually referring to sodium chloride. Sodium is the major positive ion in the fluid outside the cells. It is critical in the generation of electrical signals needed for processes in the brain, nervous system and muscles. Too much or too little sodium can cause the cells to malfunction.

Adding herbs, spices, home made stock, olive oil, lemon juice or coconut are also good ways to add flavour and depth to food thus reducing the need for salt.

Sodium is also critical in the regulation of water levels in the body since where sodium goes water follows. If there is too much sodium in the body it is excreted via the kidneys along with water.

When dissolved in water the minerals in BonPom’s rock salt can be absorbed through the skin thus providing many benefits. Sole (pronounced ‘solay’) is a solution of water saturated with salt that has many therapeutic properties.

Sodium is needed for many body processes including:

How to make Sole

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The movement of fluids and nutrients in and out of cells

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The transmission of information in the nervous system

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Regulation of blood pressure and normal blood viscosity

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Adrenal function and stress response

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Physical energy and brain function

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Normal heart rhythms

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Muscle contraction

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Growth

How Sodium Much Do We Need? The Recommended Daily Allowance for Sodium is around 2,400mg. This equates to about a tsp of salt a day (6g). However, the amount of sodium needed varies from person to person depending on their state of health, exercise level, how much they sweat and their stage of life. Those with adrenal fatigue may have an increased need for sodium due to increased salt losses via the kidneys. Those with high blood pressure or who have high sodium levels may need to heavily reduce their salt intake. Herbs and spices can be added to foods as alternative flavourings. If you have any kidney problems check with your medical specialist about the level of salt you need.

Food Sources of Sodium There are many ways to flavour food without relying on added salt. Many whole foods contain naturally occurring sodium in balance with other minerals. These include:

How to Use BonPom Himalayan Rock Salt

Put a chunk of BonPom Himalayan Rock Salt into a clean jar and pour on water to cover. Leave for a few hours for the salt to dissolve. This mineral saturated water is called Sole. When the solution is getting low add more water and leave overnight. When the salt has all dissolved add another chunk of rock salt. Add a tsp of Sole to a glass of water and drink first thing in the morning. This can aid the rebalancing of the body’s pH and electrolyte concentrations. It is particularly beneficial for those with blood sugar imbalances or adrenal fatigue. A tsp of Sole in water is also a great drink to have during or after exercise or if you experience vomiting or diarrhoea as it replaces lost electrolytes. Be sure to drink sufficient water throughout the day to stay well hydrated. Here are a few ways to use Himalayan salt: Acne – apply a solution of Himalayan salt to the skin at night, avoiding the eye area, allow to dry and wash off the next day. The anti-bacterial action can help to reduce the bacteria that lead to acne. Gum Problems – put a dab of salt onto a wet toothbrush and brush the teeth and gums before you go to bed. Leave a light coating on the gums so the restorative action can continue. Deodorant – Wet a large salt crystal and apply to the armpits instead of deodorant. The salt kills the bacteria that cause body odour when we sweat. Mouth wash – Use a solution of Himalayan salt as a mouth wash or gargle. This works well as a general mouth freshener or if you have a sore throat or tooth ache.

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Celery

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Cabbage

BonPom Himalayan Bath Salts

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Beetroot

Instructions for Sole bathing:

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Spinach

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Fish

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It is suggested that you do not use soap in your salt bath so have a shower first to clean the body. For a relaxing bath use 500g of salt, for medicinal use 1kg is recommended.

Sea vegetables such as dulse, wakame and kelp

Adding miso and tamari to foods is another way of getting the salty flavour instead of adding salt although it should be

Dissolve the bath crystals in hot bath water then top up the bath with hot or cold water as necessary until the bath water is just above body temperature (normal body temperature

is 37C or 98.6F). Immerse yourself for 20-30 minutes. Wrap yourself in a large warm towel, lie down and relax until dry. Two baths per week should bring noticeable results to skin conditions and muscular or joint problems caused by strenuous work or physical exercise.

Skin Softening Body Scrub

Caution Always check with your GP before adding salt into your diet especially if you have a medical condition. If you have skin conditions or skin sensitivity do a patch test before applying a salt solution to your skin or immersing yourself in a salt bath.

½ cup of olive oil or almond oil 2 tbsp honey 4 drops of lavender essential oil 1 cup of BonPom coarse Himalayan rock salt Mix the oil, honey and essential oil together in a bowl. Gradually add the salt a spoonful at a time mixing it together with your hands. The oil will be absorbed into the grains of salt. It should form a gritty, oily paste. Add more salt or oil if necessary to create the desired consistency. Store in jars. If any of the scrub gets onto the lids of the jars wipe them clean as the salt can rust the metal in the lid. To use scoop out a tbsp of the scrub and massage between your hands before applying it to damp skin with a circular motion until most of the salt crystals dissolve then rinse off and gently pat the skin dry.

Culinary Uses Use BonPom’s fine or coarse Himalayan salt as you would use ordinary salt in soups, sauces, casseroles and other savoury dishes. It adds more depth of flavour than other types of salt. Alternatively add a tsp of Sole to food during or after cooking.